If you’ve been on the internet five minutes today, you’ve likely seen at least one moderately hilarious meme about the weight we’re all going to gain during this time at home. And with all the extra time to bake sourdough bread and neighbors dropping off porch presents in the form of baked goods every other day, the memes have a pretty good chance of getting it right. But all joking aside, what if you still want to fit into your clothes when the time comes to put some on and go out into the world? We, at Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce, believe that by making a few healthier choices in this season, you can come out of it looking and feeling like your best self. You may not be able to hit the gym, but we’ve compiled a list of tips for eating well while staying home. 

Healthy Weight And Eating Well

Eating well is the key not only to staying a healthy weight, but it can also give you the energy you need to stay present and boost your mood. Who couldn’t use a mood boost these days? More and more research is pointing to diet as one of the major factors involved in mental health. In a time when anxiety threatens to creep in, a great way you can support your brain’s healthy function is by giving it healthy food. 

Besides maintaining a reasonable weight and supporting your mental health, eating well during this time at home can help your immune system to function better. Increased immune function can help keep you from getting sick or decrease the severity of symptoms if you do. One of the best ways to support your immune system is by increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables. Packing your diet with produce gives your body the vitamins and antioxidants it needs to fight disease. 

With all these great reasons to eat healthy, why not get started today? At Tacoma Boys and H&L produce, we care about your health and that of your family. We’re here to support you in your efforts. Not sure where to start? Here are some ideas for eating well while staying home.

6 Simple Tips For Healthy Eating at Home

1. Start Your Day With A Fruit

It’s easy to feel out of sorts with many of our usual rhythms interrupted. Now’s a great time to give yourself some new healthier habits right off the bat. It’s a message we hear from the time we’re kids: “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” But if preparing a full meal feels like a lot first thing in the morning, simply grabbing a fruit to eat while you drink your coffee is a great compromise. This week at Tacoma Boy’s and H&L Produce, we’re featuring our delicious Honeycrisp apples and super sweet juicy oranges. Or opt for a delicious pineapple! Just cut it up and store it in chunks in the refrigerator for an easy addition to breakfast.  

2. Eat a Breakfast Packed with Protein and Good Fat

Protein and fat (the good kind found in eggs and avocados), keep you fuller longer than a breakfast packed with empty carbs. If you find yourself with more time and less hustle in the morning, it could be a great chance to focus some attention on a home cooked breakfast, like some Spicy Pulled Pork Fried Eggs. This recipe calls for slow cooker pulled pork, so you’ll want to swing by our butcher for one of our premium pork shoulders. You’ll be amazed at how much you can accomplish when you begin your day by eating well!

3. Make Your Sandwich a Wrap

Replacing your bread with leafy vegetables like chard or romaine lettuce is a great way to get an extra serving of veggies. It also helps cut down on carbs and adds a nice crunch to your lunch. Check out our fresh produce section for a great selection of leafy green and red lettuce. Top with our deli-sliced turkey breast and black forest ham, and dice some roma tomatoes for additional color and flavor! Your taste buds and waistline will be so delighted, you’ll want to make every sandwich a wrap.

4. Snack on Veggies

If you find yourself reaching for a mid-afternoon snack, avoid foods like chips that are high in calories but nutrient-deficient. Instead, give your body foods it truly craves, like our buttery-rich Hass avocados. Cut one in half, sprinkle with sea salt, and enjoy with a spoon right out of the skin. Or enjoy the millennial-famed avocado toast. It’s famous for a reason! If avocado isn’t your speed, try making caprese with our juicy red cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and fresh mozzarella selected from our wide variety of gourmet cheeses. Replacing junk food with healthy alternatives like the above is a great way to keep eating well while staying home. 

5. Have Fish Once a Week

The health benefits to eating fish regularly are numerous. Consuming fish can help heart health, brain health, and energy levels, just to name a few. And fish can be one of the simplest meals to prepare! This week at Tacoma Boys and H&L produce, we’re featuring our Wild Alaskan Salmon Fillets and Fresh Wild Red Rock Snapper Fillets. Stop by our fish counter and experience the best quality fish around! 

6. Start Your Own Garden

A great way to get your greens is growing your own! Forgot to plant this spring? No problem! Tacoma Boys and H&L produce is your one-stop shop for vegetable starts this year! Avoid the crowds at the supermarket by growing your own veggies at home. Nothing beats the taste of produce grown in your own backyard. Need planting advice? Our friendly and knowledgeable staff can point you in the right direction. 

Our Commitment to Helping You Stay Healthy 

At Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce, we’re experts in the meats, cheeses, fruits and vegetables you need to stay healthy. Much of our produce is locally farmed, so shopping with us is a great way to support your local farming industry while you and your family stay healthy. Our expert staff are knowledgeable and ready to help you find what you need to eat well while staying home this season. 

Stuck at home and trying your best to keep social distancing? Don’t worry, you don’t need to stick to canned vegetables and frozen foods.  Avoiding a daily trip to the grocery store doesn’t mean you can’t eat great foods still!  Preparing for extended time at home doesn’t mean you have to deny yourself fresh, delicious, and healthy foods.

There are plenty of high-quality foods you can stock up on that will last for weeks. Here’s our advice on how to choose some of the best quality items for stocking up.

Fruit and Vegetables

While it’s a good idea to stock up on some frozen fruit and vegetables, there are lots of fresh grocery staples that will last too!  Save the essentials for your once a week trip, and grab some items that chill or freeze well and can be enjoyed at any time!

For example, apples are rich in fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. The good news? They’ll be ready to eat for about three weeks when fresh and kept in the fridge.  And baking them into an apple crisp or apple pie just sounds amazing right?

While bananas don’t last particularly long, this fruit is great for freezing. Buy a bunch, slice them up, and freeze the pieces. They’ll make a delicious smoothie whizzed up or a tasty treat dipped in chocolate.

Citrus fruits like oranges, limes and lemons are bursting with vitamin C and help keep your immune system whirring. Plus, they can last in the fridge for up to two weeks. Use the zest and the juice to help improve the flavor of a selection of marinades and recipes.

When it comes to choosing vegetables, a bag of unpeeled carrots, potatoes, sweet potatoes and onions can be eaten for at least two weeks when kept in the fridge. As we all know, carrots are great for our skin and health. Just a one-cup serving offers nearly four grams of fiber.

Meat and Fish

Sure, meat and fish can go off easily. But don’t miss it off the food shopping list, as many items freeze well. These include chicken breast, ground beef, ground turkey, and many types of fish.  Our meat depatment is stocked full of great options that can be easily frozen for delicious meals next week or the following!

Our meat can be defrosted and used as the centerpiece of a meal, or they can be whizzed into soups and chilis to bulk them up for great tastes with yummy veggies.

Cheese

You can breathe a sigh of relief as there are lots of types of cheeses that can last in the fridge for weeks.

Both block and shredded cheeses will last around two weeks if you seal the packages efficiently after using them. Softer cheese such as gouda and brie will last you around two weeks and harder cheeses like cheddar and pecorino can last up to a month.

And the great thing about cheese is that you can use it on so many different things.  Cheese and wine pairings are fun any time of the week!

Stocking up for an Extended Home Stay

Remember, some perishable foods last a lot longer than others. Before you choose items like eggs, bread, and butter, have a peek at the packages’ expiration date to ensure you’re not cutting it too close.  And know that if you’ve forgotten something, we’re open 24/7 with low traffic numbers in store in the late evenings and mornings.

Keep this list handy when you’re stocking up for an extended homestay and you can still enjoy high-quality foods.

Ready to stock up on some high-quality and delicious produce? Here at Tacoma Boys we’re open 24/7 with plenty of fresh food ready to buy in-store.

Come and do your essential shopping with us and you’ll find everything you need for stocking up—frozen chicken breast is just $10 for a 5lb bag.

Check out our weekly specials and offers here.

In a world that usually hurtles through color-coded family calendars at breakneck speeds, we find ourselves with the sudden unexpected sweet and salty gift of a hard halt. No club volleyball. Virtual business meetings. No coffee dates. Just you at home with the people you care most about with nowhere to go and nothing to do. This time comes with the challenge of navigating complicated emotions—from the grief of things lost to the relief of social pressures taken away and everything in between. It also comes with a bright side–an opportunity to form habits for which we’re usually too busy. If you’re one of the many people who wants more time around the table with your kids, we’ve compiled a list to help you have great family dinners together!

Like it or not, extra time at home is the reality for most of us, and the good news is we get to choose what to do with it. Many days will likely be filled with tablets and Netflix and boredom, and that’s ok. Other days will be filled with board games and science experiments and newly invented family activities, and that’s ok too! On every day, you and your family will need to eat. And if you’re like most parents (roughly 62%) with children under 18, you probably wish your family ate more meals together. The benefits of family meals together are numerous and well documented—including lower obesity rates in children and decreased high risk behaviors in teens. 

What Happened to Family Dinners?

With all of these positive results, why aren’t we eating family dinners? Simple. We’re busy. The majority of parents who say they’d like to have more family dinners cite conflicting schedules within the family as the main reason they don’t. Maybe that reason resonates all too well with you. If so, the saying holds true—there’s no time like the present! Here at Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce, we value your family’s health and well being, and we have everything you need to make family dinners a success! Here are some tips to help you establish and keep a family dinner routine.

5 Tips for Successful Family Dinners 

1. Keep It Simple

The most important thing about family dinners is the time spent together! So don’t get bogged down by the pressure of creating a masterpiece every night. Some days dinner might be chicken piccata and other days it will be chicken nuggets. At the end of the day, if your family is together and fed, put it in the win column. Don’t forget sandwiches count! Come by our deli for deliciously fresh sliced roast beef or honey baked ham to give your homemade sandwiches a gourmet flare. To make things a bit easier, try keeping a few pre-made sides in the freezer. Swing by one of our locations and grab a bag of frozen cauliflower rice or sweet potato fries in our frozen food section. That way, all you have to worry about is the main course, and family dinner still feels complete!

2. Plan Ahead

Nothing will torpedo your efforts quicker than failure to plan. One of the best ways to set yourself up for a successful family dinner routine is to set aside an hour one day to think about what’s for dinner the rest of the week. You don’t have to have all the details ironed out, but a general idea and a shopping list will keep you from panicking and ordering pizza by Wednesday. Try to reward yourself by planning one or two extra easy meals for yourself, like cordon-bleu chicken bakes from our deli. Minimum work for you, but a meal your whole family will rave about.

3. Find Your Rhythm 

Finding your rhythm goes together with planning ahead. It can be daunting to answer the question “what’s for dinner?” week after week, and it can seem like you’re reinventing the wheel. With all the options and recipes out there, it’s easy to feel like you have to try something new and different every night. You don’t! Chances are, you have 10-14 meals your family loves and you’ve mastered. It’s ok to put them on a rotation. Or write a simple schedule out as a template for your weekly dinner rhythm. It might look something like this: 

Monday—Salad

Tuesday—Crockpot meal

Wednesday—Italian/pasta

Thursday—Mexican

Friday—Seafood 

Saturday—Leftovers

Sunday—Frozen Pizza

Having a list like this in the back of your mind gives you inspiration for meal ideas your family will love. It also gives you the flexibility to change it up within categories and peruse weekly specials for great deals. Consider putting our fresh steelhead fillets from Norway on this week’s rotation…you won’t regret it!

4. Loosen Up

This tip may seem contrary to the previous two, but they actually go hand in hand. Think of your meal plan and rhythm as guidelines—inspiration to make your dinner decisions easier. But pressure to stick to the plan perfectly adds an unnecessary level of difficulty to family dinners that can make them feel like more trouble than they’re worth. Your dinners should work for your life. And flexibility can make sure they do. If you were saving tacos for Tuesday, but everybody is craving them Monday, make Taco Monday a thing! If frozen pizza was for Sunday, but you’re short on time tonight, tonight’s the perfect night for pizza.

Try leaving one day of the week open for whatever suits your mood. This works especially well on grocery shopping days when you can buy whatever looks good at the store. Keeping it loose will ensure dinner is a stress free experience for everyone, especially you.

5. Don’t Forget Your Veggies

One of the great benefits to family dinner—besides time together—is health. Family dinners at home are the best way to model healthy eating habits for your kids. It’s easy to incorporate a vegetable into dinner, and including at least one can help determine a side every night. You don’t have to force vegetables, but including them in your daily routine helps your family understand that they’re part of a healthy lifestyle. At Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce, you’ll always find the most quality local produce and knowledgeable employees to point you in the right direction. 

Where to Shop for Great Family Dinners?

In order to set yourself up for a successful family dinner habit, you need to arm yourself with excellent ingredients. When you choose Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce, you can rest assured your family dinners will be full of quality main courses and produce you can feel great about. Whether you have a shopping list and a plan or need some inspiration, we’re here for you. Stop by one of our locations and get what you need for your family dinners today!

For many reasons, this Easter is unlike any that have come before. Perhaps your gathering will be smaller than usual. Maybe you’re spending the holiday in Washington when you normally would travel. Or perhaps it’s not possible to get together with the friends you usually have over for Easter. With these many changes, we’re all faced with the question: for better or for worse? In so many ways, the answer may be beyond our control. So what do we do with the things we can control? 

In this time of uncertainty and unpredictability, there are a few things that are true and unchanging. Spring is here. Easter is on its way. While ordinary may not be a choice we have this year, there is so much we can do to make this Easter special.

Here at Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce, we have everything you need to make this holiday unforgettable for you and your family. We’re your one stop shop for appetizers, main courses, decorations and Easter gifts. Let us help you create an atmosphere, a meal, and a memory you and your loved ones will cherish forever.

6 Ways Tacoma Boys Can Help You Have an Extraordinary Easter

1. Appetizers

Having appetizers as a part of your Easter celebration is a great way to signal to yourself and your family the significance of the meal as a special occasion. It may feel awkward or silly if your gathering is especially small, but give it a try and see if something as simple as sharing an appetizer doesn’t give your meal a holiday vibe. Swing by our frozen food section and peruse our premade appetizer options for a quick and easy appetizer spread, or gather the ingredients to make your own. Before the main meal begins is a great time to break out a classic like these Deviled Eggs from The Food Network. Or pick up a selection of fruits and berries from our produce section for a fruit salad!

2. The Main Meal

One of the best ways to make your Easter extraordinary is by going all out with the main course. Perhaps you’re craving a sense of normalcy this year, and a traditional ham would be a great option for you. In that case, we love this simple and delicious three ingredient recipe for Pineapple Brown Sugar Ham. The best part? You can throw it in the Crockpot early in the day and forget about it until go time. Or maybe this is your year to try your hand at something a bit more involved, like this Crown Roast of Lamb from Alton Brown. Alternatively, order your foolproof, mouth watering Standing Rib Roast from one of our locations today! Whether you choose ham or lamb or chicken or roast, Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce have expert butchers who can point you in the direction of the choicest meats in Tacoma. 

3. Sides

When it comes to making this Easter Extraordinary, sides make the meal! Nothing says “Easter” like a table brimming with mouth watering dishes. Try setting out a variety of sweet and savory sides for a meal that feels balanced and complete. The sky’s the limit here, but we have some suggestions to point you in the right direction. For a sweet take on a classic veggie, these Roasted Carrots with Candied Pecans are a mouthwatering addition to your feast. Or perhaps for you, Easter is incomplete if it doesn’t include scalloped potatoes. In that case, The Girl Who Ate Everything has you covered with this classic recipe you can make ahead of time. From broccoli casserole to ambrosia fruit salad, H&L Produce and Tacoma Boys’ produce sections have what you need to make it delicious. 

4. Desserts 

What would Easter be if we didn’t don our stretchy pants for the final stomach stuffing round we all know and love–dessert? If your Easter includes children, it’s probably all about the candy for them, so we love this take on cupcakes with a hidden candy surprise from Betty Crocker. If you’re aiming to impress a more mature audience this year, display this stunning Easter Cake from Preppy Kitchen as your table centerpiece. The hardest part will be waiting until after the meal to cut into it! Whatever sweet treat you crave this holiday, Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce can help you stock your baking cupboard with everything you need for a truly extraordinary Easter.

5. Easter Baskets

Easter baskets are one of our favorite time-honored holiday traditions. Something about sleepy-eyed, bed-headed kids (and adults) waking up to a basket filled with their favorite things, delivered by the Easter Bunny right to their front door brings back the magic of childhood. This Easter, make sure the magic comes to your doorstep by stocking baskets full of goodies you can find here at Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce. For the kids, we have local fruit and candies, and for the grown-ups–wine, cheese, jelly and more! Come choose your own goodies, or call and have us curate your gift baskets for you!

6. Flowers

Finally, no Easter would be complete without flowers–our reminder that even the longest winters come to an end, and the world will be renewed again. Stop by and pick up a bouquet of fresh cut flowers to brighten your Easter table as a centerpiece or brighten a loved one’s day as a gift. Or if you’re interested in something a bit longer lasting, check out our gorgeous assortment of potted flowering plants. Leave a potted plant on a neighbor’s doorstep as a porch present, or buy some for your own home. Our live flowers will make your Easter extraordinary, indoors and out.

Treasuring the Time

Easter is a sign of change–the darkness of winter will dissipate, days will grow brighter and warmer, and whatever gloom has come before will not reign forever.  Now, more than ever, we need this reminder. In a string of days spent at home, it would be easy to let the holiday come and go without marking the occasion as a special one for yourself and your family. On the other hand, it could be a day full of thoughtful touches and intentionality that sets it apart not just from the days immediately preceding it, but from every Easter you’ve experienced before. This year, Easter is what you make it. Why not make it extraordinary?

Eating the recommended 1-3 cups of vegetables a day can be a daunting and sometimes unappetizing prospect, especially if your taste buds aren’t on board.  Luckily, there are many simple and delicious ways to trick yourself into getting all you need. Check out these seven ways veggies made great can help you sneak them in, and maybe even enjoy them!

If the idea of snacking on a head of raw broccoli doesn’t sound like your idea of a good time, you may be like the 90% of Americans who aren’t eating enough vegetables.  If you think of vegetables as nothing more than an unpleasant obligation, maybe it’s time to try some of the many ways veggies made great can revolutionize your eating habits. From breakfast to dinner and every snack in between, Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce have everything you need to get all the veggies you need in a day.

Tricking Your Tastebuds

1. Start your morning with a smoothie

If starting your day with a mouth full of raw spinach seems like a rough way to begin, try easing yourself into your morning with a smoothie you’ll actually enjoy, and likely start to crave. Start with a cup or two of raw spinach or kale in your blender. You’d be surprised at how much you can pack into a single serving! Add one banana (or some of our fresh berries), a half cup of vanilla yogurt, one frozen banana, and half a cup of milk or almond milk. Blend and add more milk or yogurt to your desired consistency. Now you’ve already had one serving of vegetables and one serving of fruit, and you’re just getting started!

2. Saute some vegetables into a breakfast scramble

Maybe you prefer to start your day with something savory rather than sweet. A great way to get your morning started with veggies made great is by adding them to an egg scramble. Start by sauteing chopped onions and garlic in olive oil. Add chopped spinach, mushrooms, peppers, oven roasted tomatoes and cheese. So many veggies in one delicious meal! Who says breakfast can’t be fancy?

3. Snack on crunchy Kale Chips

If you crave the salty crunch of chips, you’ll find yourself reaching for these Baked Kale Chips as a regular mid-afternoon snack. Why settle for bagged potato chips when you can delight your taste buds and tummy with something that’s actually good for you? Start by trimming the leaves from the stem of your kale. Discard the stem and chop the leaves into 1-inch pieces. Toss in enough vegetable oil to coat. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet and sprinkle generously with sea salt. Bake at 350℉ for 10-15 minutes, until the edges are brown, but not burnt. Snack away!

4. Dip your veggies in a healthier alternative to ranch

Love ranch but hate the calories? Here at Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce, we carry a great selection of Walden Farms salad dressings. These calorie-free, fat-free, gluten-free dressings will have you dipping and snacking on baby carrots, juicy grape tomatoes, and red peppers to your heart’s content without adding to your waistline.

5. Have a side of sweet potato fries

Why should you choose sweet potato fries over regular fries? Sweet potatoes have more health benefits than white potatoes, including more vitamin A and fewer calories. Make your own sweet potato fries with this recipe from The New York Times, or pick up a bag from our frozen section here at Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce. Add sweet potato fries to the menu next time you make burgers or sliders and see how veggies made great can elevate your dinner experience.

6. Create gourmet pizzas at home with cauliflower pizza dough

What’s better than homemade pizza? Homemade pizza that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. You can find cauliflower pizza dough at Tacoma Boys and H&L produce. You’ll love this gluten-free, tasty alternative to traditional pizza dough. Top it with whatever you’d like, and enjoy guilt free! If you’re feeling ambitious, try the Chicken Pesto Pizza recipe from our blog.

7. Try cauliflower rice as a substitute for white rice

This delicious alternative to plain rice adds sophistication to any dinner. While white rice can serve as a bit of a bland placeholder, cauliflower rice is a flavorful side you’ll want to make again and again. Much lower in calories and carbs than its white rice counterpart, you can load up on cauliflower rice and get all the fiber and Vitamin B this vegetable has to offer. Pick up a head of cauliflower from our produce section at Tacoma Boys or H&L Produce and try this recipe from Minimalist Baker, or grab a bag of frozen cauliflower rice from our frozen section. For even more veggies made great, saute stir-fry veggies in olive oil, top with teriyaki sauce, and enjoy over a bowl of cauliflower rice.

Where to find great produce locally?

Adding vegetables to your diet every day has numerous benefits, from boosting your immune system, energy level, and mood to improving your skin and eye health. So where can you find the best produce for your family? Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce buys produce directly from the source, and it’s often grown locally, so you can feel great about the quality of the vegetables you’re eating. Your breakfasts, lunches, snacks, and dinners are sure to impress with the flavor, color, and nutrition you get from veggies made great.  So why not give one or two of these ideas a try? For the best selection of produce, there’s no better place to shop locally than Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce. Come in and speak to our knowledgeable staff for help selecting the best vegetables from our produce section today!

Americans are spending $47 billion a year on food that is labeled organic.

Organic foods have been described as having more nutrients and less toxic chemicals and pesticide residue than non-organic options. They also have a lower overall risk of bacterial contamination.

GMOs are genetically modified organisms. These are plants, animals, or other microorganisms whose genetic makeup has been genetically modified in a lab through engineering.

Does organic mean non GMO? Can you be certain that your organic foods have not been subject to this type of engineering?

Let’s take a look.

The Organic Advantage

Organic foods are produced, prepared, and processed without the use of any chemicals. Chemical pesticides, preservatives, and fertilizers cannot be used while they are being grown.

Those foods labeled “organic” at the grocery store must have at least 95% organic ingredients. “Natural” is not regulated by the USDA and does not mean the same thing as “organic.”

Organic foods typically cost more than their non-organic counterparts. This is due largely to more expensive farming practices.

The benefits, however, make the cost worth it to many individuals and families.

When it comes to meat and milk, for example, organic products tend to have 50% more omega-3 fatty acids than conventionally produced products. Omega-3’s are excellent for reducing your risk of heart disease and fighting anxiety. They can also help reduce symptoms of ADHD in children.

Organic milk also has less saturated fat than their non-organic counterparts.

Organic veggies may have more antioxidants. These protect against free radicals, which play a role in heart disease, cancer, and other health problems.

The mineral and sugar content in organic foods can also make them tastier because the crops are given more time to mature.

Does Organic Mean Non GMO?

The short answer to the question is yes. The use of genetic engineering, or genetically modified products, is prohibited in organic products.

A farmer is not allowed to plant GMO seeds if the food is going to be labeled organic. An organic cow can’t eat GMO corn and organic prepared food can’t be packaged with any GMO ingredients.  Farmers can use other labels like: Made with organic ingredients

Organic farmers may plant their seeds early or late to avoid cross-pollination with GMO crops that are growing at the same time. Any planned equipment must be thoroughly cleaned to avoid unintended exposure to GMOs.

Eating Without GMOs

Eating GMO-free also has a host of health benefits. Genetically modified foods get injected with chemicals to make them last longer, meaning that the food is not always as fresh as it looks. They are also richer in certain vitamins and minerals, including fatty acids.

Foods made with GMOs can create bacteria-resistant strains that can lower your body’s immunity to illnesses. But overall, no conclusive evidence has shown that eating GMO-free will make you less susceptible to getting sick.

But I think we can agree that GMO-free foods are fresh and better for the environment. GMO’s chemicals can cause soil erosion and increase pollution. Non-GMO eating is more friendly to your surroundings.

Clean Eating

Does organic mean non GMO? Yes, it always does. And by eating organic, you will be doing your family and the earth a favor.

For more information on healthy eating, find more great articles to read on our blog here.

According to recent data, 3.1 million people across the US follow a gluten-free diet.

Gluten-free eating is a great way reduce processed wheat products and to encourage kids to eat lots of fruits and veggies.

You may be wondering how you can get your kids to consider some gluten free options and how to add a gluten-free diet to your family’s meal planning each week without complaint.

Here are some awesome kid-friendly gluten-free recipes you’ve got to try!

1. Broccoli-Crust Pizza

Gluten-free broccoli-crust pizza is a win-win for kids and parents. You can quickly purchase cauliflower crusts in our frozen gluten free case, but this at home recipe is well worth a try!  Youngsters will love the cheesy texture, marinara sauce, and even the broccoli.

Parents will love the fact that their kids are actually eating broccoli, which is a great source of vitamins K and C. It protects kids’ immune systems and helps build strong, healthy bones.

Your kids will be more likely to eat green, leafy veggies in the future if they start to enjoy them now. And they can be delicious if prepared well!  It will help keep their teeth and bones strong throughout adulthood.

The kids will love spreading the sauce and sprinkling the cheese… and cooking together will make your kids more eager to snack on their creation.

2. Ranch Chicken Tacos

Ranch chicken tacos are super-easy to prepare with a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, some wax paper, and a warmed skillet pan.  And gluten free tortillas are as easy as choosing corn! Chicken is an excellent lean source of protein for kids, keeping their energy up without packing on the carbs. It is also a great source of selenium, phosphorous, and vitamin B6.

The recipe also includes superfoods like olives, tomatoes, and avocados. It is a super way to introduce your littles to avocado, which has lots of good fats and vitamins like C, E, and K.

Olives are packed with antioxidants and excellent for heart health. And tomatoes are packed with vitamin C, potassium, and folate. Kids will learn to love their taste with a little savory ranch to sweeten the deal.

3. Berry Slush

Nothing gets kids more excited about summer than an icy treat. Get them in the kitchen to help create a Gluten Free Dairy Free Banana Berry Fruity Slush.

Berries are loaded with fiber, antioxidants, and nutrients like Vitamin C. Bananas are a great way to replace the creaminess of dairy and boost kids’ moods. They are also an excellent source of potassium.

Get kids in the kitchen to mix the ingredients before you blend for some extra bonding time.  They will love the fun color of this berry slush.  And kids love straws… so don’t forget to grab colorful, reusable straws to boot!

4. Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

Nothing says just-got-home-from-school like a batch of freshly-baked, yummy chocolate chip cookies. This recipe uses almond flour to keep cookies fresh and delicious, or use one of our other nut free and gluten free flours for kids who have sensitivity to nuts.

Milk is gluten-free and a great source of the vitamins and minerals that help kids’ bones grow strong and boosts their immune systems. So, pour some glasses for kids to dunk for a cozy treat on a cool afternoon.  We have great local dairies that provide us with nutritious and wholesome dairy products every day!

Kid Friendly Gluten Free Recipes

The best kid friendly gluten free recipes are delicious and nutritious. They will get your kids trying healthy food and asking for more in a jiffy. Cooking together is the perfect way to bond with your child and get them eating healthy for a lifetime.

For more nutritious ideas, read our blog today.

When sunshine is scarce and long evenings are spent indoors, these fun chicken dinner ideas are a great way to bring the family together and spice up your day. 

It won’t be long before the flowers start to bloom and the afternoon light stretches late into the evening, but for now, the brief moments of clear skies are here just to tease us. Jackets are still needed, and the grass is still perpetually damp. 

Like the last two weeks of classes before a senior’s graduation, the last few weeks of winter seem to drag in the PNW. On days when it seems it will never end, dinner can be more than a meal–it can be a fun family activity to break up the day and actually enjoy your precious time together. Since you’ll likely be dining indoors for a little while longer, why not try one of these delicious chicken dinner ideas?

Homemade Individual Chicken Pesto Pizzas

Homemade personal pizzas are sure to please a wide range of diverse taste buds, because they’re as individual as the people making them! This foolproof, fun to make meal will help your kids gain confidence in their cooking skills or give you and your dinner guests something to do with your hands while you all catch up on life together. 

Oil a baking sheet (you may have to use more than one sheet, depending on how many pizzas you make).

Start with a simple pizza crust. You can use a packaged pizza crust, or–if you’re feeling fancy–make your own with this simple recipe from Taste and Tell. Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce also carries cauliflower pizza dough as a healthier alternative to a traditional crust. 

Whatever dough you use, divide it into four parts. This is where the whole family can get involved. Flour a large surface and your hands and stretch and roll each piece into a six-inch circle. Place on oiled baking sheets. 

Spread a generous amount of pesto onto each circle, leaving at least half an inch around the edge bare.

Sprinkle your choice of cheese over the sauce, covering it completely. Add pizzazz to your pizzas with Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce’s wide variety of specialty cheeses. Fresh mozzarella and ricotta make an especially scrumptious combination. 

Add toppings. The sky’s the limit with topping possibilities, but for a pesto pizza, consider pan grilling chicken from Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce’s fresh meat selections. Some other meat options are sausage and pepperoni. Don’t forget roasted tomatoes, olives, fresh basil, and red bell pepper. 

Finally, bake pizza dough according to directions, checking on them early and often since they’re smaller. 

Oven Baked Chicken Kabobs

Oven baked kabobs are a great way to bring the flavor of summer grill-outs to your table, no matter the weather outside. Kids love being able to build their own kabobs, and there’s just something special about dinner on a stick!

The trick to making kabobs in the oven is to soak wooden kabobs for 12 hours so they don’t burn in the oven. This is a great time to get your chicken marinating as well!

Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. 

Chop raw chicken into 1-inch pieces. Assume each person will eat about 4oz of chicken, so one small breast or half a large breast each. Place in a ziploc bag with teriyaki marinade and refrigerate. You can use store bought marinade or make your own with this recipe from Allrecipes. Marinate for at least 20 minutes, up to 24 hours prior to baking. 

When the chicken is almost done marinating, preheat the oven to 450℉.

Chop bell peppers (the more colors, the better), fresh pineapple chunks, and purple onions into 1-inch chunks. Try to chop equal amounts of each ingredient.

Once the chicken has finished marinating, it’s time for assembly! This is the fun part. Place each ingredient in a separate bowl and let each person build their own kabobs, alternating ingredients until the kabob is almost full. Leave one inch on each end for easier handling. 

Place kabobs on baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes or until chicken reaches 165℉ internally.

With summer on the way, this chicken dinner is a great way to prep those taste buds for all the meals you’ll soon be enjoying in the backyard!

Crockpot Chicken Tacos for the Whole Family

Prepare for a new family staple! This chicken dinner could not be simpler and is packed with flavor for the whole family to enjoy. Everyone can assemble their own chicken tacos to their taste, so all you have to do is prepare the ingredients!

Start with four or five chicken breasts in the bottom of your Crockpot. You can pick up fresh chicken breasts at Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce, or keep your freezer stocked with our bulk frozen chicken breasts!

Sprinkle a packet of taco seasoning evenly over the chicken breasts. You can use a premade packet, or make your own from Tacoma Boys and H&L’s bulk spices using this recipe from Gimme Some Oven. If you choose to make your own, use 2-3 tablespoons of seasoning, depending on your preference. 

Pour one jar of Tacoma Boys Salsa over the top. 

Cook on high 3-4 hours or low 7-8.

Shred chicken directly in the pot. Pro tip: use your handheld mixer to shred the chicken easily and quickly. 

Enjoy on flour or corn tortillas. These tacos are great topped with cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, jalapenos, onions, and tomatoes, all of which you can find in our fresh produce section. This recipe makes plenty, so feel free to invite a crowd!

Personal Chicken Packets

These quick, easy-to-make chicken packets are comfort food without the extra work. Try this chicken dinner idea on warm on a cold evening, or–if by chance we get some sun–take them on the go after they’ve cooled! 

Preheat oven to 350℉.

Mix 2 pounds of cooked, cubed chicken with 1 package of cream cheese and a tablespoon of milk. Salt and pepper to taste.

Oil a tin foil lined baking sheet and unroll 2 8oz packages refrigerated crescent rolls onto it. 

Instead of tearing the rolls along the perforation, pinch the perforated line together, so you have four rectangles per tube. 

Spoon ¼ cup of the chicken mixture onto the center of each rectangle. Fold up the edges and pinch together, forming a packet. 

Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. 

What’s not to love about chicken, cream cheese, and crescent rolls? Kids love being able to form their own packets, and they’re easily picked up and eaten by hand. These are great for dipping in whatever sauces or dressing you have on hand!

The pace of life will pick up soon with the frenzied activities of summer, so take this chance to slow down and enjoy creating–and eating–a meal together. Here at Tacoma Boys and H&L produce, we have everything you need to make dinner an event, so stop by one of our store locations today!

It’s an unfortunate truth that big chain stores just don’t have the kind of specialty ingredients that food-lovers need to make the best-tasting recipes.  They carry the basic items for the average meal.

If you’re looking for gourmet specialty foods or that hard to find fresh and unique ingredients you’ve been looking for, then you’ll need to stop by Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce specialty food store and find ingredients that you can’t get anywhere else.

Keep reading to find out how to shop for all of your grocery needs and specialty food items at Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce.

1. Find the Nearest Location

For your convenience, Tacoma Boys has three locations in wonderful Pierce County, Washington.

Our location closest to the densest urban core, of course, can be found in Tacoma, Washington, but we also have locations in Puyallup and Lakewood.

Whether you’re taking a car, a bus, or a stroll, Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce has 3 convenient locations near you.

2. Don’t Always Stick to Your List

At Tacoma Boys, you could easily happen upon something you’ve never seen or heard of before.  Especially if you allow yourself to consider taking a few extra seconds to browse the aisles.

Consider dozens of options for unique honey or pepper jelly.  Or pork crown roast and fresh local pears.  Or even gluten free donuts and edemame pasta.  Thousands and thousands of amazing items!

The hunt for something new and the mystery could very well lead to something that can become the secret ingredient in your soon-to-be-famous dish.

There are so many wonderful specialty items waiting to be discovered and tasted at Tacoma boys that you should always be ready for something new and exciting.

3. Bring Reusable Bags

Did you know that Americans go through around 100 billion plastic bags every year?  And they are now against the law in Tacoma.

If you want to know how to buy groceries the sustainable way, you should invest in one or more reusable bags, depending on the number of groceries you usually buy.

It’s always great to do what we can for the environment. Instead of coming home with a bunch of plastic bags, you can use several high-quality bags again and again.  And Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce not only have fabric bags, but fabric bags with a liner to keep all of your chilled items at proper temperature all the way home.  Plus, our bags are just cool looking and show your support for local small business!

4. Check Out Our Weekly Specials

If you want to save on artisan specialty foods and more, then you should also keep track of the weekly specials that Tacoma Boys has.  Sign up for our email newsletter to be notified each week!

From Wednesday to Wednesday, you can expect to find some amazing deals that can save you money, but more importantly, maybe even give you some ideas about what to eat during the week.

For example, you might be able to find delicious and crunchy Gala apples for only 79 cents per pound. If you’re a seafood fanatic, you might find wild lobster tails for less than 10 dollars each. Plus, any meat-lover will do a little dance if they find out that Angus New York steaks are less than 9 dollars per pound (season depending of course).

In order to complement the beautiful and delicious meals that you’ll put on your table, you can also get attractive flowers from Tacoma Boys to make a gorgeous centerpiece. For example, we currently have locally grown cut flowers in hand made bundles starting at only $10.

When it comes to our weekly specials, you can expect to always be pleasantly surprised.

Are You Ready to Go Shopping for Groceries?

Now that you know how to go shopping for groceries and specialty food items at Tacoma Boys, you can get ready to make one of the most delicious meals you and your loved ones have ever tasted.

If you have any questions about our world-class products, feel free to contact us. We’re always happy to help.